Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Contents

• Your Vessel's Certificate of Number and Decal
• Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Buying and Selling a Vessel
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Safe Speed and Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
• Obstructing Navigation and Safe Navigation
  • Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Ventilation Systems
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals
  • Federally Controlled Waters
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Other Equipment and Regulations
• Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
• Towing a Person with a Vessel Legally
• Waste, Oil,and Trash Disposal in Virginia and Federal Waters
  • Aquatic Nuisance Species
• Boating Accidents and Casualties—What the Law Requires You to Do
• Enforcement
• Virginia Required Equipment Checklist
• Chapter 4 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating